Led warning signal light and light support

ABSTRACT

A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED&#39;s on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal.

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED)warning signal light for use by emergency vehicles and is based uponProvisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/062,559, filed Oct. 21, 1997,and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/094,803, filed Jul. 31,1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Light bars or emergency lights of the type used on emergencyvehicles such as fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances, utilizewarning signal lights to produce a variety of light signals. These lightsignals involve the use of various colors and patterns. Generally, thesewarning signal lights consist of revolving and oscillating lamps havingreflective back support members and colored filters as depicted in U.S.Pat. No. 5,091,828.

[0003] Many problems exist with the known methods for producing warninglight signals. One particular problem with known light bars is theirreliance on mechanical components to revolve or oscillate the lamps toproduce the desired light signal. Additionally, these componentsincrease the size of the light bar or emergency lights which adverselyaffect its drag characteristics. Moreover, there is an increasedlikelihood that a breakdown will occur requiring the repair orreplacement of the defective component.

[0004] The most common light sources being used in light bars oremergency lights include halogen lamps or gaseous discharge xenon lamps.These lamps emanate large amounts of heat which is difficult todissipate from the sealed light bar or emergency light and may damagethe electronic circuitry contained therein. In addition, these lampsconsume large amounts of current requiring a large power supply or largebattery or electrical source. These lamps also generate substantialelectromagnetic emissions which may interfere with radio communications.Finally, these lamps, which are not rugged, have relatively short lifespans necessitating frequent replacement.

[0005] Another problem with the known warning signal lights is their useof filters to produce the desired color. This filtering techniqueproduces more heat that must be dissipated. Moreover, changing the colorof a light source requires the physical removal of the filter from thelight bar or emergency light and the insertion of a new filter.Furthermore, filters fade or flake making them unable to consistentlyproduce the desired color.

[0006] These problems associated with traditional signaling lamps areexacerbated by the fact that creating multiple light signals requiresmultiple signaling lamps. Further, there is little flexibility inmodifying the light signal created by a lamp. For example, changing astationary lamp into one that rotates or oscillates would require asubstantial modification to the light bar which may not be possible.

[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for a warning signal lightthat: (1) is capable of producing multiple light signals; (2) producingthe appearance of a revolving or oscillating light signal withoutrelying upon mechanical components; (3) generates little heat; (4) usessubstantially less electric current; (5) produces significantly lessoramounts of electromagnetic emissions; (6) is rugged and has a long lifespan; and (7) produces a truer light output color without the use offilters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the invention, there is provided a light emittingdiode (LED) warning signal light which may be depicted in severalembodiments. In general, the warning signal light comprises an array oflight sources configured on a light support and in electricalcommunication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or otherelectrical source. The warning signal light provides various coloredlight signals for use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals mayinclude a stationary light, a strobe light, a revolving light, and anoscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capableof displaying symbols, characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating andoscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminatingcolumns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warningsignal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. Thewarning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to astand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply,battery, or other electrical source as a stand-alone signal.

[0009] An object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide awarning signal light capable of producing revolving and oscillatinglight signals without the use of mechanical components.

[0010] Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that thewarning signal light is capable of producing several different lightsignals.

[0011] Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is togenerate substantially less heat than traditional warning signal lights.

[0012] Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to usesubstantially less electric current.

[0013] Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is toproduce relatively lower amounts of electromagnetic emissions.

[0014] Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to be ruggedand have a relatively longer life span than traditional warning signallights.

[0015] Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is toproduce a truer light output color without the use of filters.

[0016] Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is toallow the user to adjust the color of the light signal without having tomake a physical adjustment from a multi-colored panel.

[0017] Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that it canbe formed into various shapes. This allows the invention to becustomized for the particular need.

[0018] Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is that thelight signal produced can be easily customized by the user via amicroprocessor.

[0019] A feature of an embodiment of the invention is a plurality oflight emitting diodes (LED's), integral to a circuit board, where theLED's are aligned in vertical columns and horizontal rows.

[0020] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the mountingof a panel of LED's to a mechanical device which rotates or oscillatesthe panel during use as a warning signal light on an emergency vehicle.

[0021] Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of a plurality of LED's mounted to a flexible circuit boardwhich may be manipulated into any desired configuration and can be usedas a stationary, rotating, or oscillating signal light by an emergencyvehicle.

[0022] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of a microprocessor/controller which is in electricalcommunication with a panel of LED's to selectively activate the LED's toproduce a revolving or oscillating light signal.

[0023] Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of an LED support member supporting an array of colored LED'sand a controller capable of selecting LED's of the same color to producea single or mixed colored light signal.

[0024] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of a light emitting diode support member having an array ofLED's disposed about a front surface consisting of at least two sidesand a controller capable of producing light signals on each side thatare independent of each other.

[0025] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of an LED support member having an array of LED's angularlyoffset with respect to the LED support member for the provision of ahorizontal light signal as viewed by an individual when the LED supportmember is mounted within the interior of the forward or rear windshieldof a vehicle.

[0026] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of an LED support member which may be easily connectableand/or removed from a transportable support such as a tripod forplacement of an LED warning signal light at any location as desired byan individual.

[0027] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is theprovision of an LED support member which may be easily connectable to anemergency vehicle, including but not limited to automobiles, ambulances,trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and/or any other type of vehicle inwhich warning signal or emergency lights are utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an emergency vehicleequipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights according toan embodiment of the invention.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of an emergency vehicleequipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights according toan embodiment of the invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a warning signal light attached toa gyrator according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a warning signal light accordingto an embodiment of the invention depicting the sequential activation ofcolumns of light emitting diodes (LED's).

[0032]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a warning light signal accordingto an embodiment of the invention depicting sequential activation ofrows of LED's.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a warning light signal accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a warning light signal accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0035]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a warning light signal accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0036]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a warning signal light accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0037]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a warning signal light accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0038]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the controller circuitry inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a warning signal light accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0040]FIG. 13 is a perspective detail view of a warning signal lightattached to the interior of a windshield of an emergency vehicle.

[0041]FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a warning signal light mounted toan interior surface of an emergency vehicle window having auxiliaryoffset individual LED light sources.

[0042]FIG. 15 is an environmental view of a warning signal light asengaged to a remote support device such as a tripod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] A warning signal light according to the principles of thisinvention is indicated generally as 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict light bar70 mounted to an emergency vehicle 104. Light bar 70 includes base 72,mounting means 74, cover 82, and warning signal lights 10. Also includedin light bar 70 are gyrators 90 used to impart motion to warning signallights 10.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, warning signal light 10 compriseslight support 12, light sources 30, controller 50 (shown in FIG. 11),and connecting portion 40 for attaching the warning signal light tolight bar 70 or gyrator 90. The warning signal light 10 operates tocreate a warning signal for use by an emergency vehicle by selectivelyactivating light sources 30 using controller 50.

[0045] Light sources 30 are preferably light emitting diodes (LED's) andare generally arranged in aligned columns 32 and rows 34 as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9. Each of the light emitting diodes (LED's) may haveshoulder portion 38 adjacent LED support 12 and dome 36. LED's 30 aresituated to be in electric communication with controller 50 and a powersupply, a battery, or power source. The use of light emitting diodes(LED's) instead of the traditional halogen or gaseous discharge xenonlamps results in a reduction of heat generation, current draw, andelectromagnetic emissions, while increasing lamp life and producing amore true output light color.

[0046] Controller 50, is used to selectively activate columns 32, rows34, or individual LED's 30, to create a constant light signal, a strobelight signal, a flashing light signal, the illusion of a rotating or anoscillating light signal, a reverse character message, or images such asarrows. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of controller 50 capable ofselectively activating columns 32, rows 34 or individual LED's 30.Controller 50 generally comprises microprocessor 52 and circuitry 53 andis preferably contained within, attached to, or an element of, LEDsupport 12. It is envisioned that controller 50 be programmed by anexternal controller and powered through cable R.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, controller 50 generally comprisescircuit board 54 having microprocessor 52 attached to a low voltagepower supply, battery, or 30 electrical source 56. Microprocessor 52 isconfigured through circuitry 53 to selectively activate columns of LED's30. Transistors Q9 and Q10 are in electronic communication withmicroprocessor 52, power supply, battery, or electrical source 56, andtheir respective columns 32.9 and 32.10 of LED's 30. Columns 32 of LED's30 are connected to transistors Q1-Q8, which are in turn connected tomicroprocessor 52 through resistors R1-R8. Microprocessor 52 is capableof selectively activating transistors Q1-Q8 to allow current flowingthrough transistors Q9 and Q-10 to activate the selected column 32 ofLED's 30. This circuit is capable of producing a revolving, oscillating,or flashing light signal.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, a rotating or oscillating lightsignal is preferably established by the sequential illumination ofentire columns 32 of LED's 30 turning a desired number of columns on andthen sequentially illuminating one additional column 32 while turninganother column 32 off. Alternatively, the rotating or oscillating lightsignal may be created by selectively activating columns 32 of LED's 30.The following algorithm may be used to provide a counterclockwiserevolving light signal (FIG. 9):

[0049] 1) column A is activated at 0% duty cycle (column A 0%), column B0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%,column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

[0050] 2) column A 25%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

[0051] 3) column A 50%, column B 25%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

[0052] 4) column A 75%, column B 50%, column C 25%, column D 0%, columnE 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J0%;

[0053] 5) column A 100%, column B 75%, column C 50%, column D 25%,column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, andcolumn J 0%;

[0054]6) column A 100%, column B 100%, column C 75%, column D 50%,column E 25% column, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%,and column J 0%;;

[0055] 7) column A 75%, column B 100%, column C 100%, column D 75%,column E 50%, F 25%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J0%;

[0056] 8) column A 50%, column B 75%, column C 100%, column D 100%,column E 75%, column F 50%, column G 25%, column H 0%, column I 0%, andcolumn J 0%;

[0057] 9) column A 25%, column B 50%, column C 75%, column D 100%,column E 100%, column F 75%, column G 50%, column H 25%, column I 0%,and column J 0%;

[0058] 10) column A 0%, column B 25%, column C 50%, column D 75%, columnE 100%, column F 100%, column G 75%, column H 50%, column I 25%, andcolumn J 0%;

[0059] 11) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 25%, column D 50%, columnE 75%, column F 100%, column G 100%, column H 75%, column I 50%, andcolumn J 25%;

[0060] 12) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 25%, column E50%, column F 75%, column G 100%, column H 100%, column I 75%, andcolumn J 50%;

[0061] 13) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E25%, column F 50%, column G 75%, column H 100%, column I 100%, andcolumn J 75%;

[0062] 14) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E,0%, column F 25%, column G 50%, column H 75%, column I 100%, and columnJ 100%;

[0063] 15) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 25%, column H 50%, column I 75%, and column J100%;

[0064]16) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 25%, column I 50%, and column J75%;

[0065] 17) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 25%, and column J50%;

[0066] 18) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J25%;

[0067] 19) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

[0068] 20) return to step 1).

[0069] A clockwise revolving light signal is created by performing steps1-19 in descending order then repeating the steps. An oscillating lightsignal is created by performing: (a) steps 7 through 16 in ascendingorder; (b) steps 7 through 16 in descending order; and (c) repeating (a)and (b).

[0070] A second embodiment of controller 50 provides a means foractivating LED's 30 individually to allow for greater flexibility in thetype of light signal created. This embodiment of the invention iscapable of displaying information in different colors or patterns.Depending on the size of the display, it may be necessary to scroll thesymbols or characters across the display to accommodate for a largervisual appearance. It is envisioned that the mirror image of patterns,symbols, or characters could be displayed making the message easilyreadable by drivers viewing it in their rear view mirror. It is alsoenvisioned that this embodiment of the invention could display arrowsindicating a direction the viewer is to travel or other images as shownin FIG. 2. In addition, combinations of signaling lights, directionarrows, and other information carrying signals or images, could bedisplayed simultaneously by the invention.

[0071] LED support 12 is envisioned to have several embodiments. Oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 9, consists of a panel 14 having front 16,back 18, top 20, bottom 22 and sides 24. LED's 30 are arranged on front16, with domes 36 extending therefrom, in columns 32 and rows 34. LED's30 are in electric communication with controller 50 which may becontained or sealed within LED support 12 to provide protection from theelements. In addition, panel 14 may be circuit board 54 of controller50.

[0072] Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIG.10. Here, the backs 18 of two panels 14 are attached together to allowfor a light signal to be produced on two sides. The two panels form LEDsupport 12. Alternatively, it is envisioned that a single panel 14having LED's arranged about front 16 and back 18 could be used as well.

[0073]FIGS. 6 and 8 show further embodiments of warning signal light 10.In FIG. 8, panels 14 are used to form an LED support 12 shaped as asquare cylinder. FIG. 6 shows panels 14 connected to form a triangularcylinder. In both embodiments, LED's 30 are arranged about the fronts 16of the panels 14. It is further envisioned that panels 14 may beintegral to each other.

[0074] Yet another embodiment of warning signal light 10, consists of aflexible panel 14 and controller 50 to allow LED support 12 to be formedinto various shapes. FIG. 5 shows LED support 12 formed into a circularcylinder. Further variations include the use of flexible panels 14 toform other shapes such as semicircles (FIG. 12) or to simply conform toa surface of an emergency vehicle (FIGS. 13 and 14). This embodiment isparticularly useful for undercover vehicles which generally position thewarning signal lights inside the vehicle. For example, panel 14 could beattached to the front, rear, or side window of an undercover police car(FIG. 15).

[0075] It should be noted that numerous other shapes could be formedfrom panels 14 including those formed from combinations of flat, curved,and flexible panels at the preference of an individual.

[0076] In each of the embodiments discussed above, the array of LED's 30may comprise the same or differently colored LED's. Generally, eachcolumn may consist of a series of differently colored LED's. Controller50 can be configured to select the color LED to utilize in forming thelight signal. Accordingly, the user may select that a blue, red, white,yellow, green, amber, or combination thereof be used as the color oflight signal.

[0077] It is also envisioned that the controller 50 may control warningsignal lights 10 having multiple sides (FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 10) such thateach side is capable of producing light signals that are independentfrom those produced by the other sides. For example, the square cylinderwarning signal light shown in FIG. 8 may produce a red revolving lighton first side 15.1, while second side 15.2 is simultaneously producing ablue oscillating light, while third side 15.3 is producing a stationarywhite light, and while fourth side 15.4 is producing a white strobelight.

[0078] Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 as light bar 70 which extends from driver side 100 topassenger side 102 of emergency vehicle 104. Cover 82 protects light bar70 from the elements. Each side of light bar 70 may have LED's 30 toproduce light signals on each side of emergency vehicle 104.Furthermore, controller 50 is used to create multiple light signals oneach side of light bar 70. For example, controller 50 could create arevolving blue light positioned at front passenger side 102 of light bar70, oscillating white lights positioned at front driver side 100, andyellow arrows therebetween. Additional light signals may be produced outthe back and sides of light bar 70. It is further envisioned that lightbar 70 may consist of a single large array of LED's 30 across each side(not shown). This embodiment provides the largest display and,therefore, is best suited to display combinations of warning lights andimages.

[0079] Mechanical rotation and oscillation of warning signal lights 10about axis A is possible by way of attachment to gyrator 90 depicted inFIG. 3. Gyrator 90 mounted to light bar 70, generally comprises electricmotors 96 having cables 97. Gyrator 90 is configured to receiveconnecting portion 40 of warning signal light 10. Cable 97 connects to apower supply and either an external controller or controller 50.

[0080] Gyrator 90 may be capable of rotating or oscillating warningsignal light 10 about a single or dual axis of rotation A. FIG. 3 showsgyrator 90 configured to rotate or oscillate warning signal light 10about a vertical axis A by way of motor 96.1 and oscillate warningsignal light 10 about a horizontal axis A by way of motor 96.2. Rotationor oscillation of warning signal light 10 about vertical axis A isaccomplished through direct attachment of connecting portion to motor96.1. Oscillation of warning signal light 10 about horizontal axis A isaccomplished by attaching swivel arm 99 to bracket 99.1 and post 99.2which is mounted to motor 96.2.

[0081] Alternative methods for imparting rotation or oscillation ofwarning signal light 10 can be accomplished through the use of electricmotors, toothed gears, and worm gears. In addition, maintaining anelectronic communication between a power supply and an externalcontroller with a revolving or oscillating warning signal light 10 canbe accomplished using brushes or other means without sacrificing theoperation of the warning signal light 10.

[0082] In another embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, emergencyvehicle 104 may include a front or rear windshield 106. The front orrear windshield 106 is generally angularly offset with respect to thevehicle at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. In this embodiment, themounting of a panel 14 of light sources 30 in flush contact with theinterior of a front or rear windshield 106 occurs through the use ofangular offsets 108 for the light sources 30 such that light emittedfrom the light sources 30 occur at a horizontal visual line (V) which issubstantially parallel to the plane of a vehicle and not at anapproximate angle of 45 degrees upward which corresponds to the angle ofincident for the front or rear windshield 106.

[0083] In this embodiment, the ease of visualization of the light source30 is significantly enhanced by the downward angular offsets 108 whichposition the light sources 30 along parallel visual lines of sight (V).LED supports 12 or panels 14 may then be positioned in any desiredlocation within the interior of a vehicle in flush contact or proximateto the front or rear windshield 106. A suitable cable 97 is naturallyrequired to provide electrical power for illumination of the lightsources 30. It should be noted that the angle of incidence for theangular offsets 108 may vary considerably dependent upon the make ormodel for the vehicle to include the warning signal lights 10.

[0084] It should be further noted that the warning signal light 10 maybe used with an automobile, motorcycle, snowmobile, personal watercraft,boat, truck, fire vehicle, helicopter, and/or any other type of vehiclereceptive to the use of warning signal lights 10. It should be furthernoted that LED support 12 or panel 14 may be mounted to the interior topdashboard of a vehicle proximate to the front windshield 106 or to theinterior top rear dashboard proximate to the rear windshield 106 of avehicle.

[0085] Mounting of a light support 12 or panel 14 to either the front orrear dashboards may minimize the necessity for inclusion of angularoffset 108 for the light sources 30. It should be further noted that LEDsupports 12 or panels 14 may be releasably affixed to the interior ofthe front or rear windshields 106 via the use of suction cups,hook-and-loop fabric material such as Velcro®, and/or any otherreleasable affixation mechanism at the preference of an individual. Anindividual may then adjust and reposition the location of the lightsupport 12 or panels 14 within the interior of a vehicle as desired formaximization of visualization of the warning signal lights 10.

[0086] In another alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, warningsignal light 10 may function as a remote, revolving, or stationarybeacon. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is preferablyreleasably connected to a transportable support 120 via the use of abracket. The transportable support 120 may be a tripod havingtelescoping legs or may be any other type of support as preferred by anindividual. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 iselectrically connected to an elongate electrical extension cable 97which may include any desired adapter for electrical communication withthe electrical system of a vehicle. The remote light support 12 or panel14 may also include plug-in adapters for electrical connection to anydesired electrical power source other than a vehicle as is available.

[0087] The transportable support 120 may also include gyrator 90 asearlier described to provide a desired rotational or oscillatory motionfor warning signal light 10. A controller 50 having a microprocessor 52may also be integral to or in electrical communication with LED's 30 forthe provision of multi-colored lights, flashing, or moving characters asdesired by an individual. In this embodiment, the warning signal light10 may be physically separated from an emergency vehicle any desireddistance to facilitate or enhance the safety of a potentially dangeroussituation necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10. Inaddition, it should be noted that a series of remote warning signallights 10 may be electrically coupled to each other for any desireddistance to again facilitate the safety of a situation necessitating theuse of warning signal lights 10.

[0088] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; andit is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being madeto the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description toindicate the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A warning signal light comprising: a) a lightsupport having a front side; b) a plurality of light sources arrangedabout and extending from the front side of the light support; c) acontroller in electric communication with the light sources, thecontroller for selectively activating the light sources to create alight signal; and d) a power source for powering the light sources. 2.The warning signal light of claim 1, wherein said light sources arelight emitting diodes (LED's).
 3. The warning signal light of claim 2,said light support comprising a circuit board which contains thecontroller.
 4. The warning signal light of claim 3, wherein said lightsupport contains the controller.
 5. The warning signal light of claim 4,wherein said light support is flexible and can be formed into variousshapes.
 6. The warning signal light of claim 5, wherein the front sideof the light support is arcuate shaped.
 7. The warning signal light ofclaim 4, said light support further comprising a back side having aplurality of light sources extending therefrom.
 8. The warning signallight of claim 4, said light sources comprising a transparent domeportion and a shoulder portion, the shoulder portion adjacent the lightsupport.
 9. The warning signal light of claim 4, said plurality of lightsources comprising LED's of at least two different colors.
 10. Thewarning signal light of claim 9, wherein the controller selectivelyactivates the LED's to create one of a single colored light signal and amulti-colored light signal.
 11. The warning signal light of claim 4,wherein the light sources are arranged in vertical columns, and whereinthe controller sequentially activates the columns of light sources. 12.The warning signal light of claim 4, wherein the light signal is arevolving light.
 13. The warning signal light of claim 4, wherein thelight signal is an oscillating light.
 14. The warning signal light ofclaim 4, wherein the light signal is a flashing light.
 15. The warningsignal light of claim 4, wherein the controller is a microprocessor. 16.The warning signal light of claim 4, further comprising a gyratorattached to the light support for moving the warning signal light. 17.The warning signal light of claim 16, wherein the gyrator provides oneof rotation and oscillation to the warning signal light about a verticalaxis.
 18. The warning signal light of claim 16, wherein the gyratorprovides one of rotation and oscillation to the warning signal lightabout a horizontal axis.
 20. The warning signal light of claim 4,further comprising an external controller for programming the controllercontained within the light support.
 25. A warning signal lightcomprising: a) a cylindrical body portion having a front surface; b) aplurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) arranged about the frontsurface; and c) a controller for selectively activating the LED's. 26.The warning signal light of claim 25, wherein the cylindrical bodyportion has a circular circumference.
 27. The warning signal light ofclaim 25, wherein the front surface has at least 3 sides.
 28. Thewarning signal light of claim 25, wherein the controller is amicroprocessor.
 29. The warning signal light of claim 28, wherein theplurality of LED's is in the form of an array.
 30. The warning signallight of claim 29, wherein the plurality of LED's is in the form of anarray wherein the LED's are illuminated to create the appearance ofrotation.
 31. The warning signal light of claim 30, wherein theplurality of LED's is in the form of an array wherein the LED's areilluminated to create the appearance of multicolored rotation.
 32. Thewarning signal light of claim 29, wherein the plurality of LED's is inthe form of a flat array, said flat array being encased within a flathousing mounted adjacent to an angularly offset window. The LED's angledrelative to the housing such that the light output beam is horizontal.33. The warning signal light of claim 27, wherein the controllerindependently controls the LED's on each side of the front surface,whereby the controller can produce different light signals on each sideof the front surface.
 34. A warning signal light in combination with anemergency vehicle light bar, the warning signal light comprising: a) alight emitting diode (LED) support having a front; b) a plurality ofLED's arranged about and extending from the front of the LED support;and c) a controller in electric communication with the LED's, the LEDcontroller for selectively activating the LED's to create a lightsignal.
 35. The combination of claim 34, wherein the LED's are arrangedin an array, and wherein the controller sequentially activates columnsof LED's to create one of a revolving light signal and an oscillatinglight signal.
 36. The combination of claim 34, wherein the front of theLED support is arcuate shaped.
 37. The combination of claim 34, said LEDsupport further comprising a back opposite the front, the back having aplurality of LED's extending therefrom, the controller configured toselectively activate the LED's of the back.
 38. The combination of claim34, wherein the LED support is flexible.
 39. The combination of claim38, wherein the LED support is formed into a cylinder.
 40. Thecombination of claim 34, wherein the light bar is capable of rotatingthe warning signal light.
 41. The combination of claim 34, wherein thelight bar is capable of rotating the warning signal light about avertical and a horizontal axis.
 42. The combination of claim 34, whereinthe light bar is capable of oscillating the warning signal light.
 43. Awarning signal light for use with an emergency vehicle, the warningsignal light comprising: a) a light support mounted to the emergencyvehicle, the light support having multiple sides; b) an array of lightemitting diodes (LED's) disposed about at least one of the sides of thelight support; c) a controller in electric communication with the arrayof LED's, the controller for selectively activating the LED's to createa light signal; and d) a power supply in electric communication with theLED's for powering the LED's.
 44. The warning signal light of claim 43,wherein the controller selectively activates the LED's to createmultiple light signals.
 45. The warning signal light of claim 44,wherein the array of LED's is disposed about at least two sides, andwherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the LED'son each side independently of the other sides, whereby different lightsignals may be created on each of the sides.
 46. The warning signallight of claim 43, wherein the controller is configured to selectivelyactivate the LED's to create an arrow.
 47. The warning signal light ofclaim 43, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activatethe LED's to create multiple light signals on each side.